HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

151st GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 44

RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 12, 2022 AS "WORLD CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA DAY" IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a cancer that occurs in the bile ducts in or outside the liver that play a key role in the digestive cycle; and

WHEREAS, there are three types of cholangiocarcinoma based on the location they occur: intrahepatic, located in the smaller bile duct branches in the liver, perihilar, located where the left and right hepatic ducts have joined and are leaving the liver, and distal, which is located near the small intestine; and

WHEREAS, nearly 10,000 Americans develop cholangiocarcinoma every year; and

WHEREAS, the average age of those with cholangiocarcinoma is 72, however approximately 1/3 of those diagnosed are under 65, with the youngest known patient being 12; and

WHEREAS, early detection can be key in treating cholangiocarcinoma, but only a small number of cases are found early enough to be removed by surgery; and

WHEREAS, because it is difficult to detect and diagnose cholangiocarcinoma due to the bile ducts being deep in the body and there not being a reliable blood test, when diagnosed, patients usually present with more developed tumors; and

WHEREAS, there is currently no cure for cholangiocarcinoma; and

WHEREAS, the 5-year survival rate for this type of cancer is 2 to 30%; and

WHEREAS, increased awareness and research of this cancer could lead to earlier detection and better treatments in the future; and

WHEREAS, different foundations, research centers, and charities throughout the world have come together to raise awareness of cholangiocarcinoma with World Cholangiocarcinoma Day; and

WHEREAS, Kelly green signifies cholangiocarcinoma awareness; and

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 151st General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that February 12, 2022 is recognized as World Cholangiocarcinoma Day.

SYNOPSIS

Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a cancer that occurs in the bile ducts in or outside the liver. This Resolution recognizes February 12, 2022 as "World Cholangiocarcinoma Day" in Delaware.